Posts Tagged ‘mobility dealer’

The Right Process for Handicap Van Conversion Buying

In today’s marketplace, there are a large number of handicap van conversions available for disabled people. There are lifts, driving devices and ramps to make mobility easier. Many customers haven’t owned this type of vehicle before, and the choices can be a lot to take in. However, it is possible to become an educated buyer through researching appropriately. Follow these simple steps to ensure a proper fit and experience.

Understand the disabled equipment available. Today there is a handicap conversion van or other adaptation for almost any physical ailment. Scooter lifts, handicap seats, handicap platform lifts, and hand controls can make almost any car, truck, SUV, minivan, or crossover more accessible. Handicap vans with a ramp are the most common and the peak of accessibility.

Find an accredited mobility dealer. Conversion handicap van dealers are different from a traditional automobile dealership. If a handicap van conversion breaks down, the dealer should be able to assist with a problem right away. After all, an accessible van is far more important than a traditional automobile for the people who use them. In addition to 24 hour service capabilities, a mobility dealer should be certified with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association. NMEDA has special programs to certify appropriate safety and quality measures have been taken on each handicap van sold through a NMEDA dealer.

Check their references. Handicap conversion van dealers often have past customers who can serve as a guide to the quality of their work. Many satisfied customers mean a reputable dealership. Be skeptical of any dealer who is unable to offer personal references. Contact each one and find out the level of service they have experienced.

Handicap van conversions can come fully assembled, or you can buy a van and send it to the factory. Buying conversion handicap vans pre-assembled will save time, but you might be able to save a few hundred dollars by shopping for a van and sending it to the factory. Be sure to talk with the mobility dealer before buying an unconverted van because some manufacturers have restrictions as to which vans can be modified.

Make sure it fits. One of the most important aspects to buying a conversion handicap van is to make sure it fits. People come in different shapes and sizes. So do wheelchairs, and entrance into the handicap van should be comfortable, meaning the user shouldn’t have to lower their head to get through the entrance. There should also be enough space in the interior of the van for easy maneuverability. Think about how many people will be riding in the handicap conversion van. Ask your dealer for demonstrations on as many vans as possible.

2010 NMEDA Conference Recap

Prior to the 2010 NMEDA conference in Reno, Nevada, we did a preview about the NMEDA conference as well as a list of vendors at the NMEDA conference. We received a lot of reader feedback requesting a recap of the major events and news. We had a chance to sit down with Bob Lundin of IMED Mobility to discuss some of the major breakthroughs at this year's NMEDA get together.

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2010 NMEDA Conference

The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) will be holding their annual conference from February 10 until February 12, 2010 in Reno Nevada.  The NMEDA conference is  a key point in the year for mobility dealers who want to stay up on the latest products and innovations for the disabled.  The NMEDA conference features exhibits where dealers and their employees can view the latest handicap accessible vans, handicap vehicle modifications, handicap driving aids, handicap conversions, and more.

The mobility equipment industry continues to change at a rapid pace – and it is more important than ever to stay on the cutting edge.  The Annual NMEDA Conference is the sole venue that provides a broad range of opportunities for educational, professional, and business development for those committed to the mobility equipment industry.

Mobility Dealerships gain valuable information on almost all aspects of their business, like working with veterans administrations, working with manufacturers, and the future of the industry.  The conference also represents a place where dealers can talk face to face and get to know each other.  Often dealers will share experiences and how to serve their customers better.  The 2010 NMEDA conference is sure to mark another year of progress for making the world more accessible for handicap individuals around the world.  Check MobilityReport.com after the conference for the high points of the 2010 NMEDA Conference.

EDIT: View the 2010 NMEDA Conference Recap Here

Handicap Driving Controls

If you are searching for handicap driving controls, AbilityTrend.com has an interesting article about these unique accessible mobility products.

A handicap driving control for individuals with a disability can usually be installed into most vehicles–whether you drive a car, truck, SUV, or mini van. Many disabled drivers like to have a set of mechanical hand controls and steering aids installed into a lowered floor minivan (Handicap Accessible Van) for a fully accessible vehicle.

There are several basic types of handicap driving controls: hand controls, steering controls, steering aids, left foot accelerators, and reduced effort steering. A higher level of driving handicap controls are electrical and will require a more extensive evaluation and training period. Check with a local mobility dealer for more information about financing, funding, or grants that may be available in your area. A local mobility dealership can also help answer your questions on pricing as these will vary regionally.

Handicapped Driver Services

Handicapped Driver Services is one the nation’s leading mobility dealerships, with several locations throughout the southeast United States.  HDS offers handicap accessible vans, handicap lifts for vans, scooter lifts, and driving aids and hand controls to their customers in Georgia, Floride, Tennessee, and Alabama.

Handicap Vans and Handicap Accessible Vehicles:

• Braun Ability – Braun Rampvan and Entervan handicap van conversions on Toyota Sienna, Chevy Uplander, Chrysler Town and Country, and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.
• VMI – VMI Northstar and VMI Summit conversion handicap vans on Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, and Dodge Grand Caravan mini vans.
• Viewpoint Mobility – Rear entry handicap vans on several chassis.

Handicap Lifts and Platform Lifts from:

• Braun Ability – A complete line of handicap lifts for full size vans.
• Ricon/VMI – Platform lifts that will work in almost any full size van application
• Bruno – Scooter and power wheelchair lifts for almost any vehicle you can imagine.

Handicapped Driver Services has several locations serving the southeast:

• 3747 Pine Ln SE Bessemer, AL 35022
• 5675 University Blvd W Jacksonville, FL 32216
• Kennestone Cir Marietta, GA 30066
• Waldron Rd La Vergne, TN 37086

Accessible Vehicles in Alabama – AL

Looking for handicap vans and accessible vehicles in Alabama? It can be difficult to locate a mobility dealer no matter where you are, but the good news is that MobilityReport has assembled a partial list of handicap accessible van dealerships in Alabama.

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